Who we are
A community connected across the Atlantic
Lah-Leng U.S.A. is a registered 501(c)(3) organization based in Maryland dedicated to
promoting Balengou's culture and supporting community development initiatives.
Our purpose
Development begins with listening
Lah-Leng U.S.A. exists to support the people and traditions of Balengou — with projects chosen by the community and sustained by the community.
Lah-Leng U.S.A. brings together members of the Balengou community and their friends in the United States. We raise resources, share expertise and work hand in hand with families back home so that development is led by the people who live it every day.
Our work is rooted in a simple belief: relationships make development stronger. Friends and families in Maryland raise awareness and resources while local leaders, families and partners in Balengou define the needs and guide the work.
We are starting with clean water because reliable water supports health, education and livelihoods at the same time. As the work grows, we will continue to invest in cultural preservation and locally-led development.
Give Water. Give Health. Give Hope.
A clear focus for a stronger future in Balengou.
The campaign
The way we show up
Our commitments keep the work human, accountable and focused on what lasts.
Where we come from
Balengou — A Land of Hospitality, A Land of Opportunities
Balengou is a vibrant traditional municipality of approximately 8,000 people located in Cameroon's West Region.
Its people are farmers, traders, teachers and craftspeople, organised around chieftaincy traditions, family compounds and a strong culture of mutual assistance. Music, dance, weaving and ceremonies mark the rhythm of village life and bind generations together, at home and across the diaspora.
The municipality has fertile land, hardworking young people and a community that organises quickly around a shared goal — real opportunities for development. What it still lacks is dependable infrastructure, and water is the most urgent gap.
Many households rely on distant or unprotected sources. Fetching water takes hours from women and children each day and exposes families to preventable illness. Reliable clean water changes health, schooling and livelihoods at once, which is why it is where we are starting.
Have a question about our work?
Whether you want to support the water project, sponsor the gala or simply learn more about Balengou, we would love to hear from you.